Posted by jeffandthea on November 25, 2009
Hello Youth Parents,
This may be of interest to you…
http://www.bingetoblackout.com/
this is just another interesting resource regarding parenting, alcohol, and teens…
i actually have a copy if you are interested in borrowing it.
many of you know of my collegiate battles with drugs and alcohol. i would love to assist your family by sharing my story if you or your child is hurting due to addiction.
praying for you and yours,
jeff
ps… happy thanksgiving!!!
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Posted by jeffandthea on November 18, 2009
Operation Christmas Child Reminder:
FBC Youth will depart from the church on Monday (November 23) morning @ 9am. We will be working at Mountainbrook Community Church. Web: www.mbcc.us Phone: (205) 802-7070
Bring money for lunch and shopping opportunities at the Summit in Birmingham. We will return to Fort Payne at approximately 5:30pm. Thanks. Jeff’s cell: 996.5594. Please pray for us as we travel and partner with Samaritan’s Purse and Operation Christmas Child.
Current sign up (subject to change… just don’t forget to tell the youth pastor if you can’t come) is:
debra, anna, abby, evan, nick, allie, mikel, jordan, lauren, morgan, shelly, dallas, zach, jeff, kim, cara, lauren, billy, jaclyn, blake, kristen, liz, andrew, kevin, taylor, peyton, erik, pennie, sherry, tammy, jeanne, buffy, & melanie
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Posted by jeffandthea on November 17, 2009
Hello Parents,
I’m happy today to have the opportunity to send you our 6th note in 6 weeks: “Parenting This Generation”. Besides sharing another helpful resource, I also want to use this opportunity to remind you of our Monday Mission Project (November 23). We will depart from the church to go to Birmingham, AL to assist with operation Christmas Child at 9am. I am asking each student to bring money for lunch, snacks, and shopping. We plan to return around dinner time: approximately 5pm. If you can join us, let me know. I would love for you to go with us.
The following magazine has given me a lot of encouragement: LIVING WITH TEENAGERS
Here’s a quick look online: http://www.lifewaystores.com/lwstore/product.asp?isbn=1415842191
If you would like to subscribe to this magazine, our youth budget will flip the bill. If you would prefer to get your copy from the magazine rack right outside of the church fellowship hall, that is great too.
Here’s a sample article from this great parenting resource…
Children are not born with instructions. Even if they were, I doubt that many parents would actually read the directions. Most parents, like me, learn from experience. The following four pointers are some principles I’ve used to reduce the parent/teen conflict in my own home and to increase my teen’s involvement in making responsible choices.
Realize Your Own Needs. Parents of teenagers are usually approaching an age of reflection, and this mid-life stage can be a time of personal crisis! Parenting a teen can add to the intensity, as you must face your own issues and those of a budding son or daughter. As a parent, you must come to terms with your own emotions and not transfer these to the challenges of parenting.
Respond Productively to Emotions. Teens are a bundle of emotions, but never discount the vital role of these emotions. Emotions are at the surface, but they offer parents an open line of communication with their teens. This time can assist you in better understanding your teen’s deeper feelings and thoughts.
Too often, parents discount how seriously their teens desire their opinions. Find out what your teen feels is the source of his emotions and talk about it. The source may be real or imagined, but it is serious to him. Choose one meal each day when the family can gather to talk. Use it to build a lasting family tradition.
Focus on Positive Behaviors. Conflicts and disagreements offer an opportunity for parents to help their teen talk through a time of difficulty. This can be a teachable moment for your teen, other siblings, and yourself. They will expect you to criticize what’s wrong, so asking questions and listening can catch a teen off-guard.
A turning point in my own life was when I knew my actions deserved punishment, but my dad responded calmly. We talked through my choices and the natural consequences that would result. This became a defining moment in my own life!
Develop a Plan of Action. Teens have adult bodies with a child’s experience. As a result, they may struggle with knowing how to act on their feelings. The following gives you a way for your teenager to be a partner in developing a plan that you both can agree upon.
Compromise can be a dirty word in theology, but it’s critical in relationships. Parents can move their children toward adulthood by allowing them to negotiate some house rules. This means teaching them to make appropriate choices and weighing rewards and punishments.
Within your expectations, consider what is negotiable: curfews, cell phones, car keys, and so forth. Encourage your teen to begin by praying and to list their wants. You must then explain what you expect. As you talk with your teen, offer possible alternatives and list the punishments for violating the rules.
Once an agreement is reached, put it in writing – signed and dated. This simple exercise can increase communication and reduce conflict.
The front porch may be gone, but the need to talk continues. Allow your experiences and an emphasis on consequences guide you as you guide your teen. Before you know it, you just might have a mature young adult on your hands.
Dr. Larry Purcell is a veteran pastor and counselor, specializing in crisis management and church leadership issues. In addition to being the senior pastor of Second Baptist Church, Hopkinsville, Ky., he also serves as the J.M. Frost associate professor of leadership at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky. This article first appeared in the September 2007 issue of Living with Teenagers.
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Posted by jeffandthea on November 12, 2009
I’m setting up a youth prayer room (possibly called “The Vault”; however, today i am liking “The Turning Point” too)
John Stanley and I built a BIG CHECKER BOARD and I thought about using it as a kind of prayer wall… (so here’s my idea for the red squares)
A PEOPLE OF PRAYER:
10. 1 Samuel 1:1-28… Hannah’s Surrender to God
11. Habakkuk 2:1, 3:2. & 3:17-19… Habakkuk’s Prayers
12. Jonah 2… Jonah’s Prayer of Repentance
13. Matthew 6:9-13 & Luke 11:2-4… The Lord’s Prayer
14. John 17… Jesus Prays for Himself and Those That Follow Him
PRAYERS FROM THE PSALMS OF SCRIPTURE:
15, Psalms 19:14
16. 28:9
17. 51:10
18. 57:5
19. 71:18
20. 80:3
21. 86:11
22. 90:12
23. 90:17
24. 119:89
25. 143:10
WHO CAN WE PRAY FOR?
26. PARENTS
27. SIBLINGS
28. FRIENDS
29. TEACHERS, COACHES, & ADMINISTRATORS
30. FBC CHURCH FAMILY
31. FBC YOUTH WORSHIP, DISCIPLESHIP, & MISSIONS
32. MINISTERS & MISSIONARIES
(special thanks to justpray.org for some helpful resources and ideas)
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Posted by jeffandthea on November 10, 2009
So far these emails have been sort of “informational” and really not very “interactive.” I was wondering if you would mind sharing your story with me.
Many of you know my story. I came to faith in October of 1995. My life was radically changed by the love of God. (that’s the short version)
Here’s the long version… (feel free to send me your “short” and / or “long” version too)
I grew up in Gadsden, Alabama. I am the son of Glenn and Sherrie Ford. My parents divorced when I was very young, and I basically grew up with three parents rather than a more traditional scenario. My parents from almost as far back as I can remember were my mom (Sherrie), my dad (Glenn), & my stepmom (Julia). These three individuals loved me, and they encouraged me to be very involved in the student ministry of College Heights Baptist Church.
Throughout middle school and high school I enjoyed the many student events that the church provided such as: centrifuge youth camps, youth choir, Wednesday night Bible Study, Lock Ins, and countless other exciting events and adventures. One of my first mission trips was to Boston, Massachusetts. This week of missions in Boston was a big encouragement to me. I remember thinking that the missionary that we met was ordinary in many ways; however, God was using him to do mighty things in a city that was in desperate need of a Christian witness.
My first steps in faith may have been taken as a student in the youth group; however, it would not be until college when I would actually accept God’s invitation to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.
In college, I turned my back on the life that I had been living up to that point… Christian meetings, Christian friends, and any sort of Christian influence were purposely avoided. I drifted far from the life that I knew as a churchgoing teenager. A lot of people ask me why I played the part of the prodigal and why I no longer had an interest in the things of God. My answer: sin. In rejecting a life of faith, I embraced a life of rebellion against God. During those days, sin defined my life.
One October night in 1995 during a typical alcohol and drug fueled college party in my apartment, at age 20, I went into an empty room, locked the door, dropped to my knees, and I asked Jesus to “save me.” From that moment forward, Jesus has been my Savior (my means for forgiveness for the sin in my life… see Romans chapter five verse eight) and my Lord (the leader of my life… see John 14:15). I experienced and continue to experience the fresh flood of God’s love, grace, forgiveness, and freedom because of what Jesus did for us on the cross and because of what he did for us from the grave.
What happened many years ago in my college apartment continues to serve as an anchor for the rough waters of life and faith. The remainders of my college years were spent serving as a ministry partner with Jacksonville State University’s Baptist Campus Ministries (bcm). I also met my wonderful wife, Thea, through a bcm student event.
We served as summer missionaries in college: Thea in Colorado, and myself in Pennsylvania, Hawaii, & Israel. One phrase that has echoed through my life since the days of my summer missions experiences is this: “God does not call the qualified; God qualifies the called.” This concept covers much of Scripture. As a follower of Jesus, I now believe and understand more fully that God gives us each everything we need to accomplish the tasks that he has given us. It (a life of ministry and service to God) is not about our qualifications; it is about God’s calling.
After college graduation we would serve as US / C 2 (united states or canada for 2 years) missionaries on Alabama’s gulf coast. My official title was resort missionary. I know, I know “suffering for Jesus on the beach.” I used to get that a lot. Our 2 year appointed evolved into a total of 8 years. 6 of those years were spent working on my master’s degree at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. The greatest joys of working as a resort missionary included supervising summer missionaries, working with youth and adult mission teams from literally hundreds of churches, and working with disaster relief.
I now enjoy working full time with the wonderful staff, church family, and community of First Baptist Church in Fort Payne, Alabama.
My favorite verse of Scripture is Psalm 37:23-24… If a people’s steps follow the Lord, God is pleased with their ways. If they stumble, they will not fall, because the Lord holds their hand.
God is holding my hand, and I now have the privilege to point students in the Fort Payne community to the truth of God’s love and grace.
This story swapping thing may be something you would want to try as a family sometime.
Praying for You and Yours,
jeff ford
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Posted by jeffandthea on November 5, 2009
I HOPE THIS ISN’T IT – A Ford Christmas Carol
Authentic Christianity – brings hope, reflects truth, shares love, hurts when others hurt, brings everlasting joy, offers community, springs toward faithfulness, imitates Christ, and more…
Empty Christianity – brings condemnation, is hypocritical, fuels pain, seeks self interest above the interest of others, springs toward confusion, is a closed system in one’s community, imitates the world, and so much more…
Let me tell you a story:
I was 12 years old. We woke up on Christmas morning. I put on my brand new blue flannel P.J.’s that my Grandmother had given me the night before at our Christmas Eve family get together. I rushed into the living room to look at what wonderful gifts I would be opening and playing with. And there they were. My brother and I tore into a few gifts. I was so excited. Greatttt! I got the robot that transformed into an evil insect people eater. That was just what I wanted. Alright!!! I got the camouflage pants.
Now I could hide in the woods with my neighborhood pals and be virtually undetectable by my brothers crew of friends. We could bombard them with pine comb grenades and they’d have no idea where we were. O.K. I got some black socks to wear to church, hey! I could wear these with my camouflage pants to increase my invisibility. In the mist of my present opening, as I began to run out of presents to open, I began to watch my brother dig into his stuff. Hey! He got the camouflage pants too. Now he would be hiding out in the woods too, and terrorizing me and my friends as well. He got the black socks too. No robot that transformed into an evil insect people eater, instead he got a hand saw for fort building.
Maybe I could borrow that from him sometime. Pretty soon all the gifts had been opened and he and I began toying with our new gifts. It didn’t take long for me to figure out how to convert my robot into an insect. After all I had about a dozen other robot toys that were a lot like it. As my brother and I looked around the opened gifts we both began to get a strange feeling. And we began to ask that question that semi-spoiled kids ask on Christmas – Is this it? I HOPE THIS ISN’T IT… We made eye contact with a little bit of a puzzled look on our faces.
I began to ponder the past years of Christmas mornings. Last year it seemed like we had gotten a lot more stuff. Didn’t we? I think there are many people in the world. People that are asking that same question my brother and I were asking. They don’t ask with words. They sometimes reveal the question through the decisions they make. Through their lack of hope and meaning that translates in the way they live their lives. They’ve gone all their lives and now they want to know – Is this it? Is this all life has to offer? Is this all I’m going to get out of this life? These people are those who haven’t experienced the Hope, the Peace, the Joy, and the Love that we have been offered through Jesus Christ. They feel like they should be getting more out of their lives, they feel like something is missing, they are left puzzled unsure of why they aren’t getting more. Like me at age eleven thinking to past Christmases, they think back to times in their life when things were different. When things were better.
Repeat…
“Authentic Christianity – brings hope, reflects truth, shares love, hurts when others hurt, brings everlasting joy, offers community, springs toward faithfulness, imitates Christ, and more…
Empty Christianity – brings condemnation, is hypocritical, fuels pain, seeks self interest above the interest of others, springs toward confusion, is a closed system in one’s community, imitates the world, and so much more…”
Back to story…
But they have no idea how their lives can be different. My Dad began to sense his twelve and thirteen year old’s confusion that Christmas morning.
He knew we felt like something was missing. So he spoke up. “Guys, I think there is one more gift to open. It’s down in the basement. My step mom urged us to put on our new Christmas totes – those cool thick socks with the tread on the bottom. We ran like wild horses to the basement to see what gift awaited. It was the greatest gift I’d ever gotten. A GO-CART. A fire engine red, single seat, 5-horse power, Go-cart. What I thought was going to be a big let down sort of Christmas was actually the best Christmas ever!
We as believers are kind of like my dad in my wonderful Christmas memory. We know where to find the greatest gifts. The Hope, the Peace, the Joy, and the Love. The greatest gifts are found through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
The greatest gifts we can ever discover are found through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Let us share the greatest gifts: the Hope of Jesus (see Isaiah 9:6). Let us share the greatest gifts: the Peace of Jesus (see Luke 12:13-14). Let us share the greatest gifts: the Joy of Jesus (see Luke 2:10). Let us share the greatest gifts: the Love of Jesus (see John 3:16). Let us share the greatest gift: Jesus (see 2 Corinthians 9:12-15). And Remember James 1:17… “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
In the Ford Christmas Carol I said “I HOPE THIS ISN’T IT.” I asked the question, as 12 years old on Christmas moring… “Is this all there is, Is this it?”
Claude Hickman wrote a book… Live Life on Purpose. It’s the first book I read after I moved to Fort Payne. I was a missionary. My mission was clear. When I changed jobs, there was a period of time that began in St. Louis MFUGE during the summer 2007, where I was asking the question about First Baptist Church Fort Payne… What’s my purpose.
Was I a cruise director? I know I didn’t go to seminary take 2 semesters of Greek, 2 Semesters of Hebrew, Preaching Classes, Missions Classes, Youth Ministry Classes, Survey of OT, Survey of NT, and Biblical Archeology to be CAPTIN STUBBING from the Love Boat.
No there is more. And it’s true for every born again believer. Sometimes we look around at the life we have and wonder why it doesn’t reflect a more historical significance. One stand up comedian says everyone wants to leave a leagacy…. You remember me forever (illustration) !!!
Hickman asked in his book… Do you ever look at the lives of people that have been Christians much longer than you and wonder why their lives aren’t more like the lives of men and women in the Bible. ILLUSTRATION… that’s why I love spending time with people that are being radically made new by God: missionaries like Jess, Marsha and David, & Lana Hall. Church staffers like Danny Courson & Ciaro Shiroma. New Believers like Neil Dodge and Byron Townsend. Church members like Bob Johnston and Lynn Brown. This revolutionary idea that (author and speaker) Henry Blackaby picked up on in the Scriptures, find where God is already working and join in… this is living a life of Biblical proportions in simple gestures and simple faith.
The first century Christians, many of them, knew what it meant to live life on purpose. We lose our purpose more easily in the 21st century. I think it’s the lighting….
Possibly point to Quotes from 1to 4 Sources…
1 For what it’s worth, it’s never too late, or in my case too early, to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit… start whenever you want… you can change or stay the same. There are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. I hope you see things that stop you. I hope you feel things that you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life that you’re proud of and if you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again.
- Benjamin Button (the curious case of…)
Quote points to…
2 “Jesus calls his people to be passionate realists, to carry on with enthusiasm in light of what is real…In everything, passion prevails. In the new way, people know they’ve married wounded sinners who have no chance for recovery outside the grace of God. Marriage is a covenant of two people agreeing to recover together, each in different ways at different paces, both under the tutelage of the Teacher, Jesus”. – Charlie Peacock (new way to be human)
Quote…
3 (start with this one and depending on time share more about others) “It’s an unnatural life that the 21st century offers us. I think that there’s just too much. There is too much stimulus, the pace and the noise and the floresent lighting its a bit overwhelming. You know your principles, your ideals, your morals, they’re all for sale. I think there are a lot of problems we’re just not admitting. You know maybe we should all have this encounter group, “my name is Mark, I’m a member of the 21st century” and have a 12 step program for it or something.” – Mark Glen (frontier house @ pbs)
Quote…
“Hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:5
Quotes…
Reference nate larkin’s book: Samson and David differences summary. Men we can’t isolate ourselves from family, church family, and our brothers in Christ. It’s true real men love Jesus. It’s also true real mean live their families and the family of faith. Let others enter into your world. Don’t try to go it alone. It will never work. It leads to addict, guilt, pain, and fear (all the things that hinder authentic faith)
Conclusion.
I hope this isn’t it. If that’s what you think about your faith journey. If that’s what you think about Church. If that’s what you think about Jesus. If that’s what you think about Christmas.
IN TRUTH, Life in Christ is more than you could ever hope for. You don’t have to live in regret and guilt, you don’t have to live in fear…
possible repeat
The greatest gifts we can ever discover are found through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Let us share the greatest gifts: the Hope of Jesus (see Isaiah 9:6). Let us share the greatest gifts: the Peace of Jesus (see Luke 12:13-14). Let us share the greatest gifts: the Joy of Jesus (see Luke 2:10). Let us share the greatest gifts: the Love of Jesus (see John 3:16). Let us share the greatest gift: Jesus (see 2 Corinthians 9:12-15). And Remember James 1:17… “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
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Posted by jeffandthea on November 4, 2009
Hello Parents,
The subject of sex is often difficult to discuss with teenagers (or anyone for that matter). Many students in our youth group have questions about sex. Many want to wait until they are married to have sex but don’t know if it is possible. I hope we can help teenagers come to a better understanding / clearer perspective about sexuality and choices. It is a difficult subject to discuss, and that is why I send you the following resource today.
A New Resource for Parents of Teens that looks really helpful:
God bless,
Jeff Ford
Psalm 37:23-24
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Posted by jeffandthea on November 1, 2009
DOES BEING A CHRISTIAN MEAN EVERYTHING IS GREAT ALL THE TIME?
I used to think the answer was yes. Maybe I didn’t say it, but my actions proved that I thought everything was supposed to be great all the time since I was a Christian. When bad things happened that I couldn’t explain with a simple Sunday School answer then I was left feeling confused and hurt.
James 1:2 says “Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials.” The truth is just because we follow Jesus, just because He is our Savior, Friend, and the Leader of our life, we are still going to face difficulties. One thing I’ve discovered as a believer is that difficulties are opportunities for spiritual growth. The Bible says in James 1:3 that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 1:4 says “endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. If you are going through some trials and difficulties know that your youth pastor, Jeff Ford, is here to help you carry the load. I am praying for you.
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FBC YOUTH AND DRAMA TEAM
We are currently developing new ministries for the summer of ’10. We hope to share drama, puppets, and music ministries with our community in some new and interesting ways. If you are interested in being a part of these teams see Amber Mc, Kim C, Kim P, or Jeff F. <><
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GREAT TUNES ON ITUNES
City on Our Knees
(tobyMac)
How He Loves
(David Crowder Band)
Until the Whole World Hears (Casting Crowns)
What Faith Can Do
(Kutless)
Heaven and Earth
(Phil Wickham)
Yahweh (Hillsong)
Radiator
(Family Force 5)
Heaven is the Face
(Steven C. Chapman)
Glory to God Forever
(Fee)
The Motions
(Matthew West)
Although not with a “Christian Label” check out “Fireflies”
(Owl City)
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LET’S GO CLUB-ING
FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES (FCA) MEETS EACH FRIDAY MORNING AT FORT PAYNE HIGH SCHOOL. PLEASE SEE BILLY BROWN AND / OR SARA MCCUTHEON FOR MORE INFORMATION.
MASTER’S MINORITY MEETS EACH DAY DURING BREAK AT FORT PAYNE HIGH SCHOOL AS WELL. SEE DEBRA STORY AND JOHN STANLEY FOR MORE INFORMATION.
SAVIOR @ SCHOOL MEETS EACH TUESDAY AND THURSDAY IN THE LIBRARY DURING THE 8TH GRADE BREAK AT FORT PAYNE MIDDLE SCHOOL. SEE KENDALL THOMPSON, LAUREN STORY, EVAN DOWNEY, AND MASON BALDWIN FOR MORE INFORMATION.
LET’S GO CLUB-ING PEOPLE!!! (CHRISTIAN CLUB-ING) <><
I KNOW I’M CHEEZY. SEE YOU @ “DA CLUB”
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FACEBOOK & YOUTH MINISTRY
Lately we’ve been trying to use facebook to help spread the word about youth ministry events. Facebook is great; however, I am always worried about leaving someone out when I use FB “Notes”. Another resource for youth ministry information is the following website: http://jeffandthea.wordpress.com
Posted in The Students | Leave a Comment »
Posted by jeffandthea on October 29, 2009
10.29.09
1st revision: 11.20.09
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I’m planning on writing 52 simple songs (not lyrics just music – lyrics to the songs I am writing are actually pulled straight from the Bible) in 52 weeks. I understand at some level that by posting this on my seldom read blog and / or facebook page, I am a little more accountable to my friends and family in regards to completing my goal of 52 songs in a year. Many friends and family have encouraged me in my many musical pursuits over the last several years.
I also understand that myspace, facebook, and blogs in general can be a bit of a “me-fest” sometimes. I understand that I am a recovering ego-maniac, and this whole process can be a little odd if I take it too seriously.
I hope this is not what this songwriting exercise is about: LOOK WHAT I DID! But even as I type the words, I know that I am self-promoting at my core. Call it original sin. Call it the life of an artist in the local church. Kind of like the kid at the public pool that keeps shouting for older kids to watch him go off the diving board for the 100th time. His audience is a little bothered by the pesky kid, but they indulge him. So thanks for indulging me. I promise not to ask you how big my splash was.
So rather than put the attention on myself, I want to draw people’s attention to the words on the pages of Scripture. I hope each song is an offering of praise and obedience to the One that makes the flowers bloom. I want God to be honored and glorified through songs, smiles, and reflection on the beautiful words of the Bible. If these are songs that glorify God and minister to my own heart, that’s ok and that’s enough of a reason to pursue this goal, but honestly I really hope it ministers to others as well. I hope my friends and family will be encouraged to reflect upon Scripture in a new and interesting way.
Not to say that Scripture as song is anything new. This kind of use of Holy Writings pre-dates written history I suppose. Yet I find through random google searches that Scripture songs have been delegated almost exclusively to the children’s music rack. I hope this can change. I hope these songs become simple tools that allow Scripture to resonate in my life and maybe in the lives of others as well. I’ve been working on this new 52 week songwriting project for ten weeks now.
What I have so far are different chord progressions for the following passages:
1. Psalm 119:9-10 (G – C – Em – D)
How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping Your word. I have sought you with all of my heart; don’t let me wander from Your commands.
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2. Philippians 4:13 (E – Eon9 – Am on 6 – Eon7)
I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.
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3. Joshua 1:8 (Em – C – A – B) (this progression reminds me of an M. Night Shyamalan film:))
This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night, so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do.
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4. Romans 8:28 (Em – C – G – D)
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.
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5. John 15:5 (variations on D position 7 fret with & without pinky, then fret 5, fret 3, then D)
I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.
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6. Psalm 32:8 (C-Em-D)
I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with My eye on you, I will give counsel.
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7. Philippians 4:6-7 (G-C pluck and pick then change to D-C, then back to G-C)
Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
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8. Psalm 51:10 (G-D-C-D)
God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
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9. Galatians 2:20 (Am on 4 – E on 5 – E on 7 all barred)
And I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
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10. Isaiah 40:31 (D with pinky right before change – Em – C)
but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.
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11. John 15:7 (Bm-D-Em-C)
If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you.
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12. Psalm 1:1-2 (A-B-E-D)
How happy is the man who does not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path of sinners, or join a group of mockers! Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night.
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13. Colossians 3:17 (E -Eon7)
And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
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Through putting music to the Scripture passages, I am able to better commit God’s Word to memory. I did not select the verses. The seminary I attended did. The seminary president recently challenged their students and alumni to memorize 52 passages over the course of 52 weeks. The website that gives the memory challenge is http://www.nobts.edu/Publications/BibleReadingPlan.html . I really believe that Scripture memory and Bible reading are some of the most important tools that we can carry in the toolbox of our lives.
I have done some home recordings over the past few years. A few of these rough recordings are posted on myspace: www.myspace.com/jeffreyford . I may record the Scripture songs and post them sometime in the next few weeks / months. I may also add verses to a few of the Scripture songs eventually. I’m pretty open with people about my desire to hear my musical creations on the airwaves one of these day. I just think that would be so cool. To write a song, and then hear someone else sing it on the radio. But maybe that’s not in the cards, and I am ok with that too. Well thanks for reading.
In the Grip of His Amazing Grace,
jeff
Posted in The Songwriting | 1 Comment »
Posted by jeffandthea on October 29, 2009
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IAMSECOND
I recently came across some really wonderful videos of various testimonies online. The former member of the band Korn, Brian, shared an amazing story of his brokenness and need for God. The author of “Samson and the Pirate Monks”, Nate Larkin, shared of God’s ability to rescue him from an extremely destructive addiction. American Idol contestant, Jason Castro, shared of his commitment to Jesus and how like Christ, he sought to be a servant to others.
Athletes, Musicians, Actors, and Everyday Joes have all been impacted by the Grace of God. It is quite refreshing to hear of the power of God at work in the lives of others. If you follow Christ, you also have a testimony to share. I just wanted to encourage you today to visit http://iamsecond.com , and think about your own story. You don’t have to be famous, in the eyes of the world, to share your story. Even you have a story to share.
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A FALL RETREAT THANK YOU
I think (even though many students were unable to attend the entire retreat due to sickness) our ‘09 Fall Retreat was a wonderful event. We missed seeing many of our friends at the retreat due to the flu and other nasty illnesses; however, most of our friends that were sick are much better now. Glad many are feeling better, and I hope everyone stays well.
A special thanks to Brandon Moore (our camp pastor) and Adam Blalock (our guitar player) for making this year’s retreat so special. We were also blessed to have many adults and college students / bcm-ers in the mix. Thank you Erik, Pennie, Melanie, Todd, Buffy, Amar, Justin, Matthew, Hope, and Autumn. Many students have shared with me the powerful way that your ministry in their lives has made a positive impact. Thank you for shining the light and sharing your life with teenagers.
Please pray that the concept of trust as detailed in Proverbs 3:5-6 would continue to resonate in our lives as we continue to grow up in our faith.
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LOOKING BACK ON THIS MONTH:
October 2, 3, & 4 – FBC Fort Payne Fall Retreat @ CamptoknowHim
October 7 – Special FCA Worship Service @ FPHS
October 11 & 12 – Parent and Student Basketball Game & Lock-In @ MBC
October 18 – Youth Choir led Worship @ FBC in the AM J
October Tuesdays & Thursdays – Savior @ School: New Middle School Christian Club, See Kendall Thompson for more info.
October 23 – Trip to Chattanooga especially for Senior High Girls
October 25 – Special PM Worship Service & S.N.A.C. Costume Party @ Debra and Lauren Story’s House
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PARENTING “THIS GENERATION”
FBC Youth Ministry began sending out a weekly note of encouragement to parents of youth this month. We send it through regular email and facebook. The archive of notes can also be found at this website: http://jeffandthea.wordpress.com (the entries to the blog are organized by category, just click on the “parenting this generation” category. If you would like to be added to the mailing list, just email me: jeff@fbcfp.org
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